Although Asner began his career as a stage actor, he is best known for his role as Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–77) and Lou Grant (1977–82). He continues to have an active televisions and film career. Asner served as president of the Screen Actors' Guild from 1981–85. His most recent film is Common Ground (2000). He has won seven Emmy Awards and was inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in 1996.